Textures Sensory Table: Describe How It Feels

Toddlers learn through action + language.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Large sensory table or plastic bin

Various soft materials (e.g., cotton balls, yarn scraps, feathers, fluffy pom poms)

Various firm materials (e.g., smooth stones, wooden blocks, firm plastic toys)

Various bumpy materials (e.g., scrub brushes, corn on the cob husks, textured craft sticks)

Small containers or scoops

Child sized smocks (optional)

Towels or wet wipes for cleanup

Learning Objectives

Children will be able to explore and touch different textures using their sense of touch.

Children will begin to use descriptive words (e.g., soft, hard, bumpy) to describe textures.

Children will engage with their peers during a shared sensory experience.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Gather children around the sensory table, introducing it as a special "hands on" exploration of things that feel different, just like how our families feel different and special too.

2. Show children the different textures available, modelling how to touch them gently. Say, "This feels so soft like my teddy bear at home!"

3. Encourage children to reach in and touch the materials. Ask them, "How does this feel to your fingers? Is it soft like a blanket or bumpy like Dad's sweater?"

4. Offer scoops or small containers for children to explore transferring materials. "Can you scoop the soft cotton balls? Where do you want to put them? Maybe in a little home for them?"

5. Observe children's reactions and verbally label the textures. If a child is touching a stone, you might say, "That stone feels hard and smooth," or if they touch a feather, "Wow, that feather feels light and fuzzy, like the inside of my pillow!"

6. Encourage children to try and use descriptive words. "Can you tell me what that feels like? Is it bumpy?"

7. As children explore, talk about how different textures can remind us of things at home or people in our families. "This soft yarn feels like the scarf Grandma knitted for me!"

8. Support children as they interact, perhaps by suggesting they share a material. "Maya, can you share the bumpy scrub brush with Sam? You can both feel how rough it is."

9. Conclude the activity by allowing children to help clean up, making it another part of their home routines.

Educator Tip

Ensure all materials are safe and non toxic. Always supervise children closely during sensory play to prevent ingestion of materials. Consider inviting families to contribute a safe, textured household item (like a soft fabric scrap or a smooth wooden spoon) to add to the table to connect the activity to their own homes and families.

Assessment

Observe children's engagement with the different textures. Note their willingness to touch and explore the materials, as well as any verbalizations they make, even if it's just a sound. Look for instances where they might be mimicking your descriptive words or showing distinct reactions to different textures, indicating an understanding of "different feels."

Educator tip

Use choice questions; keep groups small.

Assessment

Observe and note: emerging independence, two-word combinations, imitation of actions, and early pretend play. Use Development Matters non-statutory guidance checkpoints. Observe participation, labelling.

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